Why Sioux Falls Drivers Shouldn’t Worry About Rising Gas Costs

If you’ve filled up your tank anywhere in Sioux Falls lately, maybe along 41st Street before a Costco run or at one of the other many busy gas stations all over the Sioux Empire, you’ve probably noticed the chatter about gas prices picking up speed.

Much of that conversation centers around Operation Epic Fury and what it could mean for drivers here at home. The big question: Are we about to see a sharp spike at the pump?

For now, things remain relatively calm across South Dakota. The average price for a gallon of gas is hovering around $2.71. That’s up a couple of cents from recent weeks, but nothing that’s sending drivers into full-on panic mode just yet.

Get our free mobile app

According to Dakota News Now, oil experts are urging motorists not to overreact. Historically, gas prices climb as we edge closer to summer. Increased travel, road trips to the Black Hills, lake weekends, and family vacations all drive up demand. Add in the seasonal shift in refinery production, and a modest increase is pretty much an annual tradition, right up there with construction cones and orange barrels scattered across Sioux Falls most-traveled intersections and streets.

Shawn Steward, Public Affairs Manager with AAA South Dakota, told Dakota News Now that they’re keeping a close eye on global developments, particularly in the Middle East. Oil shipments moving through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical gateway in the Persian Gulf, could face disruptions, and that has the potential to create a ripple across global markets.

Still, Steward says there’s no reason to rush out and top off the tank of every vehicle you own. If you need gas, fill up.

There is a possibility of some upward movement in prices in the coming days. However, increased attention to domestic oil fields, like those in neighboring North Dakota, could help stabilize supply and offset global pressures.

READ MORE:  Sioux Falls Commute Times Lengthen As Construction Season Hits

For now, Sioux Falls drivers can breathe easy. Keep an eye on the signs as you pass by your favorite gas station, but don’t let fear create a panic for you at the pump.